Washington's address to the officers was given in what is called the Long Room, apparently because of its length across the width of the building atop the tavern below. According to a contemporary account by one of the officers present, there was not a dry eye in the house as Washington finished the address and shook hands with those present.Washington, of course, did not fade away as he then apparently thought, but went on to become our first President.
And neither did Fraunces Tavern just fade away. New York City became the first capital of the United States and the Tavern housed the offices of the new government's Departments of Treasury, War and Foreign Affairs (today's State Department).
Built in 1719 as a private residence, it became the most popular tavern of its time after being purchased by Samuel Fraunces in 1762. While the upper floors are a museum,which includes a Hall of Flags of the United States, the lower floor still serves as a tavern. In addition to the tavern itself, the building is also connected with several other buildings, including another restaurant, where we ate. The restaurant, among other dishes, serves what is described as George Washington's favorite chicken pot pie. I don't know about Washington, but it was my favorite, just filled with white meat chicken and topped by a thin, crisp shell. Yum!
Fraunces Tavern is located at 54 Pearl Street in the Financial District, near Wall Street. The phone number is 212-425-1778. There is a small fee for admission to the museum, but it is well worth a visit.
